The need for appropriate natural resource management is felt from the mountains to plains in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH). However, as mountain communities depend heavily on natural resources for their daily livelihoods, governance is especially crucial to ensure sustainable use. Moreover, disadvantaged groups like women and indigenous peoples are particularly affected by weak governance. For this reason, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is committed to promoting equity and empowerment for mountain people through improved governance.